Imagine witnessing a loved one’s sudden confusion and slurred speech—do you know what to do? The FAST technique equips you with the knowledge to identify a stroke in seconds, slashing response times and boosting survival rates. This clinician-endorsed method distills complex neurology into four actionable steps, making it accessible for all.
Start with Face: Look for droopiness. A lopsided smile or numb facial muscles scream stroke. Blood clots or bursts interrupt oxygen supply, causing immediate facial paralysis on one side.
Arm test follows: Extend both arms parallel to the floor. Weakness or drifting indicates motor control loss, often paired with numbness. This unilateral failure is a classic ischemic stroke marker.
Slurred Speech or comprehension issues seal the diagnosis. Garbled words, repetition, or silence point to affected brain regions governing language.
Time to dial 911—don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Delays cost brain cells at 1.9 million per minute. Thrombolytics like tPA must administer within 4.5 hours; mechanical thrombectomy extends to 24 hours for some.
Global impact is staggering. In the US alone, strokes affect 800,000 people yearly, costing $45 billion. FAST campaigns by the American Heart Association have cut mortality by 20% in trained populations.
Variations exist—like BE FAST, adding Balance, Eyes, and headache—but core FAST remains gold standard. Practice with family: Role-play scenarios to build muscle memory.
Neurologists report fewer missed cases post-education drives. ‘Empowering the public saves lives,’ notes the World Stroke Organization. Apps and videos now reinforce learning.
Master FAST. It’s not just knowledge—it’s a superpower against one of modern medicine’s top killers.
